Wheaton cop accused of shoplifting in Costco

A Wheaton police officer who was named Officer of the Year in 2006 will appear in court next week with his career in jeopardy after being charged with stealing DVDs costing $85 from a Naperville Costco.

Naperville police arrested Thomas M. Wilson, 35, of the 27W000 block of Washington Street, Winfield, last month and charged him with misdemeanor retail theft after he was accused of putting a four-pack of DVDs in his pants and walking out of the store without paying on Sept. 2, said Naperville police Cmdr. Dave Hoffman.

After a security officer confronted Wilson in the parking lot, he fled on foot and was later seen driving away in a car, Hoffman said. Wilson turned himself in to authorities Sept. 9 and posted a $100 cash bond.

A hearing before the Wheaton Police and Fire Commission to determine Wilson's future at the department has not been scheduled.

A Wheaton police officer for 10 years, Wilson was named Officer of the Year last year and had an "outstanding" career on the force," said Wheaton Police Chief Mark Field.

"As soon as I found out about it, he was immediately placed on suspension with pay," Field said. "I will be seeking his termination."

Wilson's attorney, Michelle Moore, declined to comment on the charges, saying they "raise difficult issues for him and his family."

"He does have a very distinguished record of public service for many, many years," she said. "I think there are some extenuating circumstances at work here."

Last month after his arrest, Wilson applied to enter a court program that allows non-violent offenders with mental illness to receive mental health treatment in lieu of detention, according to court records.